“How could she possibly have gotten thrown out of Vassar, Julian? She’s a Crane!” Alistair’s voice boomed over the speakerphone. He was angry, not that anyone could blame him. After the hefty donation to the school to get her in, Nicholette had managed to get expelled.

Ivy sat in the chair across from her husband filing her nails. Ever since Nicholette’s untimely release from Vassar, they had been receiving calls forcing them to get her back in. Unfortunately, no amount of Crane money could save their middle daughter this time. She was certainly out of the university for good.

Julian sipped his brandy and sighed. “Father, we’ve been through this. Nicholette was caught cheating on three exams and sitting on one of her professor’s laps. There is no way they will accept her back in, but they will not put in on her transcripts…at least we had that much control of the situation.”

“Julian, I want her back at a university this fall, do you hear me? She must make a suitable match and she won’t do that from Harmony!”

“Yes, Father,” Julian listened to the dial tone fill the room and glared at his spouse. “You’ll speak with her the second she arrives home. She isn’t to unpack. Nicholette will be shipped off as soon as we find a school that will hold her.”

“Julian, you know this isn’t the first school Nikki has been expelled from. She hates being told what to do. Why don’t we attempt this from a new direction and let her choose a school?”

“Because she wants to live in Harmony, Ivy, and that can never happen. She cannot become my sister Sheridan! She has to marry someone to advance the empire.”

“We can set her up with the Hotchkiss boy…James…Jonathon…whatever his name is,” Ivy rolled her eyes. “Sometimes you are so dense,” she stood and left the room.

“Ivy, Ivy, Ivy…you will soon learn that I am not as dense as you believe,” he dialed the number for the Hotchkiss mansion.

“Yea, I get to blow this joint,” Nicholette Crane replied happily, throwing her socks into her suitcase. “I am so glad this is over, Tasha, you’ll never understand how much I want to go home.” Nicholette, nicknamed Nikki, was only of average height. Her brown hair hung to her shoulders in natural waves that framed her face. She was thin, but curvy, and she held herself like a lady. Her blue eyes always danced with mischief and she was almost always in trouble.

“You’re right,” Natasha snapped her gum. “But like, what will you do in Harmony?”

“I’m going to get myself a nice looking local boy and have some fun! Promise you’ll write?”

“Like duh,” Natasha rolled her eyes. Her Valley girl accent as authentic as her acrylic nails. Natasha may have had money, but she was never from California. In fact, her family was from Idaho and owned a factory in Boise.

Shaking her head, Nicholette threw her last blouse in the suitcase. “There, all packed. I can’t wait to get on the Crane jet.”

“Ha, like there will be a jet there,” Lily Monroe walked into the room. Lily was tall and thin, her brown hair going down to her waist. Her pink skirt and matching blouse hung loosely on her size zero form. “I have a message from Dean Samson, the Crane limo and jet will not be waiting for you. Here’s your ticket home,” she handed her the one-way first class ticket. “Your grandfather says to call someone to pick you up before you land.”

“That rotten no good…” Nikki held her tongue. “Whatever, I’m getting out of this jail cell and I’m going to have some real fun.” She grabbed the ticket from Lily. “The best part is getting rid of snobs like you, Lil.” Nikki smiled.

“I aught to kick your ass, Crane, but seeing as how you won’t be here much longer, I’ll let it slide. You never should have stolen Tim from me…you’d still be in this lovely room for the duration of your education.”

“But you see, Lil,” Nikki added extra sweetness to her tone. “You did me a favor, hun, you got me expelled which is *exactly* what I wanted.”

“Well, tata, Crane. Have fun in that little town you live in, dear. I’m sure you’ll fit in just find with the locals,” she waved behind her and nearly tripped on her five-inch heels. Nicholette would have paid her inheritance for Lily to slide across the floor.

“All right, so I won’t be on the Crane jet, at least they got me a first class ticket, right?” Nikki felt hurt. She was still a Crane after all; didn’t she deserve the jet? Not that it mattered, in two hours or so she would be home again and no one would ever send her away again.

“Look, let me take you to the airport,” Natasha jumped off her bed, the textbook falling to the floor and landing softly on the carpet. “I can help you get in and settled and stay until the plane takes off…”

“But you have reading to do, Tasha, remember? You’re taking summer classes,” she lifted the cases from the bed.

“Yea, but the exam is tomorrow and I’m not going to get much done right now. Besides, you’re my best friend, Nikki, I need to say goodbye.”

“It’s not goodbye, buddy, it’s see you after graduation,” she forced a smile.

“I’m taking you, Nikki, and that’s final,” Natasha grabbed the third suitcase. “Come on, let’s get going.”

Nikki nodded. “I’ll meet you in the car.”

“All right,” she carried the bag out of the room and Nikki listened to her friend’s footsteps growing softer as she continued down the hall.

Walking to the window, Nikki looked outside and sighed. Vassar hadn’t been her choice in a decent college and she certainly hadn’t wanted to go to UCLA before that. She had tried being what the Cranes expected, but it wasn’t something she enjoyed. In fact, she took after her Aunt Sheridan more than her parents. Sighing, she leaned against the window frame. “Goodbye, New York, I’m sure I’ll miss you,” she wiped a tear from her cheek. Glancing around the dorm room one last time, she grabbed her cases and headed out of the room. Her last thoughts were of Harmony and returning to the Crane mansion.

“Fifth grade in that awful Catholic boarding school in Spain,” Nikki giggled and sipped her own cup of coffee. “It’s been a long time since we talked about *that* place,” she giggled again.

“Do you remember the nun that ran the place?”

“Sister Jean Mean,” Nikki laughed. “She used to call us the ‘American Monsters’.”

“Well, we certainly weren’t angels,” Natasha giggled, her faux accent long since forgotten. “What was the first thing we got in trouble for?”

“Painting the red splotches on the marble alter in the church,” Nikki’s smile grew. “Remember we told Johanna Greenwich that they had sacrificed the youngest child in the school the day before and that she would be next?”

“Oh, year, little Jo Green,” Natasha busted up. “She was a scrawny little thing wasn’t she?”

“She certainly was, but then again, not everyone can look like Lily…”

“Let’s not even bring that name up, all right, Nikki?”

“No problem, Tasha,” Nikki sighed. “It’s going to be boring in Harmony without you around, but I guess it’s better than hanging around that prison for the next two years. I’m twenty-years-old and it’s about damn time I get what I want.”

“Yea well, I didn’t see you not get that Mustang you asked for on your last birthday,” Natasha pointed out.

“Flight Three Ninety-one to Bangor Airport is now boarding. All first class passengers are asked to come forward now.”

“That’s me,” Nikki stood and hugged her best friend. “I’ll miss you.”

“Miss you more, Nikki,” Tasha sniffled. “Call me when you land.”

“I will.”

“Don’t be a stranger.”

“Never,” she grabbed her carry on. “Talk to you later, Tasha.”

“You know me, it’s never too late to talk,” she forced a smile and watched as Nikki rushed down towards gate and off to the plane. She couldn’t bear to wait for the plane to take off and left the terminal as soon as she could.

~*~Chapter 2: Welcome Noah Bennett~*~

“So what time does Noah come home?” Sam asked his wife, though he didn’t expect to get an answer. Sure, they had been leaving with each other even after the miscarriage, but the problems just seemed to stack up. She was pushing him further and further away and there seemed to be nothing he could do about it.

“His plane lands at three,” Grace replied angrily as she removed a cake from the oven. Her only son was returning to Harmony for the summer and she wanted to make sure he received a proper welcome. She planned a party for him since it was his first time home since going away to New York City for college.

“Okay,” Sam poured himself a cup of coffee. “Are we going to play the happy family game until he goes back?” He was being sarcastic but couldn’t seem to contain his feelings.

“Why bother? We should probably admit that his parents have nothing to base their relationship on,” Grace replied coldly, placing the cake on the cooling racks and then heading over to the window to check on her plants. “This marriage was always a sham.”

“Grace, I don’t know what the hell I can do to make you happy,” Sam slammed his mug on the counter. Now was not the time to get into this, he had been called into the station. “Look, I’ve got to get to the station, I’ll pick you up later and we’ll be there for when the plane lands.”

“Whatever,” Grace kept her back turned to him. She just wanted him to go away.

Sam sighed and left the house, praying that his son’s return would cheer Grace up.

“The plane doesn’t leave for two hours, Tony, get it right,” Noah came out of his room and punched his friend’s shoulder. “Heading back to Jersey for the summer?” he asked, running his fingers through his short brown hair. His blond highlights looked perfectly natural as he combed his hair with his fingers. His six-foot even, muscular frame was perfectly tanned from a weekend at the Jersey shore.

“Nah, me and Maria are heading down to Jamaica for break. We need a vacation, man,” he shook his head. “Maria’s parents live on the Island and are having a fit about it.” The island he was referring to was Staten Island, one of the five boroughs of New York City.

“Yea well, be careful man, that girl is poison,” Noah walked into the kitchen and drank some milk from the container. “Don’t forget to pay the rent man, I want to come back to an apartment.”

“Yea, no problem. I’ll pay the next three months in advance to be sure,” Tony walked back into his room. “So when do you get back?”

“August twenty-first, unless I meet a nice chick, then I might come back later,” he laughed. His thoughts immediately turned to Theresa. “I wish I knew what was going on back there, my mom’s been calling a lot less and I’ve been too busy to make up the difference.”

“Probably nothing big, man. She’s got those businesses to run, remember?”

“Yea,” Noah returned to his room so he could pack. “Hey, Ton, give me a ride to the airport?”

“Yea, no problem,” Tony walked over to his buddy’s room. “So, man, what prompted this trip home.”

“Remember Scarlet?” he motioned to the picture of Theresa on his dresser.

“Yea?”

“She’s engaged to a Crane, man. She’s marrying Ethan in two weeks,” Noah threw some more clothes in his bag. He didn’t mention that this was a change of date from their April wedding, which was cancelled last minute.

“And you think you’ll be able to change her mind?” Tony asked, picking up the picture of Theresa.

“Well, I can hope, right?” he asked as he stuffed a few more outfits into his bag. He knew he had left clothing in Harmony so there were some things in his room there.

“Yea, right,” Tony put the picture back. “Look, let’s get going. Traffic is going to be a mess and I want to get the hell out to the Island before Maria tells her parents about the trip.”

“Good luck, man,” he lifted the suitcase and carryon. “Let’s get moving.”

“No problem, boss,” Tony laughed as he followed his friend out of the apartment and down to his waiting car.

“No problem, Bennett. I think I can handle the place for the summer.”

“Just don’t go getting us evicted like you did from the house,” he reminded his frat brother. “It’s your fault the dean almost closed the place down.”

“Oh, yea and Bennett got away with it. Man, you had two drunk underage chicks hiding with you in the closet and I was the one evicted from the house.”

Bennett laughed. “You just never learned from the master,” Noah grinned, his green eyes laughing with him.

“Yea well, we can’t all be Bennett’s.”

“You’d be thanking God for that if you had to eat tomato soup cake when you got back,” Noah groaned just thinking about it. “Look, I gotta jet before I miss my jet,” he grinned. “I’ll call you later.”

“No problem, man, have a nice flight.”

“Thanks, Ton,” he turned and disappeared inside the airport. In no time, he’d be home again to deal with life.

“Damn,” he opened his eyes and looked out at the ocean water as they started to fly north towards Maine. In no time he would be in Harmony and back to the life he had worked hard to hide. His mother expected the good boy that he had been until his graduation in high school, but she would be shocked to see her son now. He checked his earring and grinned. Between this and the tattoo he had gotten during a drunken dare, good boy Noah Bennett was gone and replaced by a new man. Closing his eyes, he dozed off for the remainder of the flight.

~*~Chapter Three: Funny Meeting You Here~*~

Nicholette watched as the Bangor airport came into view and sighed. She was home. The butterflies in her stomach began to dance merrily and she was glad she had contacted her Aunt before takeoff. Sheridan had promised that she and her fiancé, Luis, would be at the airport only minutes after the plane landed. It would take a while to get from Harmony to the airport and she had hoped that Nicholette wouldn’t mind. Of course she *did* mind, but what could she possibly do? After all, her Mustang was being driven to Harmony for her and she was refused the use of the Crane limo.

“Miss Crane, we’ll be landing soon. I need you to raise the back of your seat and buckle back up,” the stewardess smiled kindly at Nikki.

“No problem,” Nikki fixed her seat and the belt.

The stewardess moved on and Nikki returned her gaze to the window. It had been ten years since she had been in Harmony, having attended a private school in Portland for a time, which sent every child home for summer vacation. She was then sent to Spain for the remainder of her education to return to the states for college…

“Only after the university incident,” she giggled, remembering being caught with one of the ‘priests in training’ in her bed. She was a bad girl when she wanted out.

“Flight attendants, prepare for landing.”

Nikki smiled. They would be landing now, which meant in minutes she would be through with the worst part, getting home. Now that she was there, she planned on hanging around for a long time.

Noah could see the airport beneath them as they circled it once waiting for clearance. He was finally in Harmony…well, almost. The city below was just one step away from his hometown and his parents were probably waiting for him at the gate. He couldn’t wait to see his sisters again and then find his best friend Theresa. He wondered how she changed over the last two years.

“Prepare for landing,” he heard on the speakers and became excited. He was finally going to get off this plane and get some good food before heading down for the drive to Harmony. Then he’d head over to the Book Café to see the old gang and catch up on the gossip in town.

He chuckled and looked over the tattoo on his upper arm. The Japanese ring of fire had been a spur of the moment idea after a night of Budweiser beers and multiple shots of alcohol. He had been trashed when they went into the tiny tattoo parlor and a half an hour later; he had an earring and a tattoo. It wasn’t much, just a band of flames that wrapped around his bicep, but it was cool. Tony had thought he was nuts and his other buddies couldn’t believe that “Pansy boy Bennett” could possibly deface his body the way he did. Too bad he didn’t remember the girl he woke up with the next morning…

“Doesn’t matter, she was trash anyway,” he laughed. So maybe he wouldn’t be Theresa’s first choice after his behavior at the college, but he sure was a far better man than Ethan Crane.

Nikki walked up through the tunnel towards the gate, knowing that her Aunt and soon to be uncle would not be there. She came through, her carryon slung over her shoulder and her hair falling into her face. Deciding not to wait around the gate, she headed downstairs to the baggage claim and prayed it all ended up on the plane.

Nikki was ticked to find out that her luggage was being mixed with luggage from another New York flight meaning she might need to watch it go around three times before she could find it all. “Damn airports,” she grumbled, heading closer to the conveyor belt to find her first piece of luggage. She barely paid attention to the crowd behind her as she looked for her bag.

She watched as a few pieces of baggage passed, people claiming them before she even had a chance to look them over. Sighing, she checked her watch to see how long she would have to wait for her aunt. Noticing she had forever, she returned her attention to the moving luggage.

“A ha!” she exclaimed, finding one of her bags. She tried to lift it, forgetting its weight as well as the motion and started to fall. She was surprised when a pair of arms steadied her.

“Woah, there, honey. You’re going to have to be more careful,” a deep masculine voice whispered in her ear. He removed the bag from the carousel and placed it beside her.

She turned to face him and their eyes met in a heated stare. There was no denying that this was love at first sight as Noah forgot any thoughts of Theresa.

“Thanks,” she whispered, breathlessly without breaking the gaze.

“You’re welcome,” Noah replied with a slight grin. “Any others?”

“Yea,” she turned back to the luggage and pointed out another one of hers. He grabbed it, followed by his own and her last one. She grinned at him. “Thanks again.”

“No problem. So where are you heading, doll?” he asked sweetly.

“Harmony. You?”

“Same place,” he chuckled. “Small world.”

“Yea,” she grinned. “Name’s Nicholette, most people call me Nikki.”

“Mmm, Nikki, pretty name. I’m Noah, and no, you can’t call me No.”

She laughed. “Wouldn’t dream of saying no to you, hun,” the innuendo was not lost on him as she winked.

“So, lots of bags there, Nikki. Moving back home?”

“For the time being,” she looked the bags over and shrugged. “I actually can’t wait to get back to town. It’s been years since I was there.”

“Me too,” he smiled. “Wait here I’ll get you a luggage cart.”

“Thanks, Noah,” she grinned and watched as he walked off. She found herself watching the khaki shorts move as he walked and fought a growl. He had a fine backside; then again, the front wasn’t bad to look at either. When he returned, he started placing her luggage on the cart. When his NYU tee shirt moved, she could see his tattoo.

“Oh, man, a Japanese ring of fire. That is so awesome!” She traced the tattoo with her index finger, surprised at the goose bumps that appeared on his skin. “I have a tattoo too.”

“Really? Where?” he asked.

She turned to reveal her backless blouse. On the small of her back was a rose blossoming and the stem formed a heart. He reached out and touched it lightly, sending a chill up her spine.

“That kicks ass. Must have hurt there, huh?”

“Wouldn’t know, I was stoned,” she laughed. “I did stupid things when I was high.”

“Yea well mine was a drinking dare, so we’re even,” he laughed. “At least I managed to pick something cool.”

“Yea, well, mine is decent for something done while trashed.”

“No kidding,” he grinned. “So since we’re heading the same way, skip the rental car and my folks will give you a lift,” he offered. He liked this girl and wasn’t going to lose her to the crowd.

“I’d love to say yes, hun, but my Aunt is swinging by to get me. She and her fiancée want to take me out for dinner.”

“Oh,” he looked down defeated and sighed. He really liked this girl and wanted to have more time to get to know her.

Placing a hand on his arm, she made him look at her. “Noah, I would love to see you again, but my Aunt hasn’t seen me for years.”

“How come?” he asked, wanting to know everything about her.

Nikki had to think about a good answer and fast. She had come face to face with more than one person who hated her for her last name. They would purposely make her life miserable because of it. If they weren’t treating her like an outcast, they made her into a princess. Then they were either using her for her money or for the power of her name. She didn’t want Noah to be part of either party and, seeing he was from Harmony, especially from the first.

“She just moved back here after living in Europe for a while and I’ve been away at school. Our paths haven’t crossed much,” Nicholette amended the truth slightly.

“Oh, well then she’ll be surprised to see you, I bet,” Noah smiled. “Tell her that I think she has one beautiful niece.”

Nikki blushed and giggled. “Thank you. I should be going. Look around town for me, will you?”

“Definitely,” he smiled brightly.

She started to walk away when she heard his voice call. “Wait, what’s your last name?”

Nikki froze and tried to think of a plain name that he might not know. Turning to answer the question, she noticed that a redhead was about to hug him.

“Noah, I’m so glad you came home for the summer,” Grace hugged her son.

“Hey Mom,” Noah rolled his eyes while she couldn’t see. “It’s good to be home,” he pulled away. He glanced over at where Nikki had been standing and noticed she and the luggage cart had disappeared. Sighing, he returned his attention to his family.

“Son,” Sam grabbed his hand and pulled him into a hug. “Good to see you. Glad that you’re back for a while. Kay and Jess are really looking forward to seeing you again.”

“I can’t wait to see them again either, Dad, it’s been a long time,” Noah couldn’t how quickly he returned to his good boy attitude. Just as he was gloating over this achievement, his mother finished scanning his looks for changes and found the earring.

“An earring, Noah?” Grace was surprised and took a closer look at the piecing. He had a small diamond stud in his ear.

“Yea, Mom, I got one with some of the guys. It’s cool, huh?”

“Noah, do you really like something like that? I mean earrings are more a girls thing…” Grace did not like this at all. In fact, she loathed it.

“Mom, it’s cool. Almost all the guys have one; it’s just cool. Come on, I even have a cross I wear from time to time.”

“Well…” Grace sighed. “I guess so.”

“What other changes do you have to surprise us with, son?” Sam wasn’t too pleased with an earring either.

“Well, I might as well get the shock over now,” he pulled up his sleeve and showed them his tattoo.

“What is that?!” Grace asked shocked.

“A Japanese ring of fire,” Noah smiled proudly at his tattoo.

“Is it permanent?” Grace continued her questions.

“Of course, Mom, or else I wouldn’t have bothered showing it to you,” he rolled his eyes. Twenty-one years old and still being treated like a child. If they only knew about his drinking and clubbing back in New York, he chuckled at the thought.

“So are you ready to get going, Noah? Kay and Jess stayed home just to see you,” Sam pointed out, deciding the discussion of the tattoo could wait.

“Yea, let’s go. I want to get back to Harmony,” Noah followed his parents, keeping his eyes on the lookout for Nikki and wishing he had gotten her last name. He didn’t notice her as they passed the exit to the parking lot and Noah prayed he would see Nicholette again soon.

Nikki was glad that she ducked behind the pillar as Noah passed. Perhaps he was too busy to read the papers, but a good Crane always kept up with the gossip. There was no way she wouldn’t recognize Sam Bennett as Ethan’s real father and now that she knew Noah was a Bennett, well she would have to be extra careful about his ever finding out her last name. If he ever did…well, he would never want to be with her.

“Nick?” Sheridan squealed in delight as she entered the airport.

“Aunt Sher!” Nikki threw herself into her aunt’s arms. “It’s so great to see you again!”

“Oh, Nick, I’ve been thinking about this all day. I am so glad you are home!”

“Me too,” she smiled and pulled back. She noticed Luis standing there with a smile on his face. “And who is this hunk?”

“This hunk is my fiancé Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. Luis, darling, this is my eldest niece Nicholette Crane. I call her Nick.”

“Well, only because it ticks off my parents,” she giggled. “But so will the navel ring and the tattoo,” she laughed.

“Something else we have in common,” Sheridan winked and motioned to her bare mid-drift.

“I couldn’t talk her out if it,” Luis shrugged. “She got a navel ring.”

“And what did you get pierced,” Nick asked seductively.

“He didn’t, yet,” Sheridan winked. Luis laughed.

“He isn’t planning on it either,” he picked up two of Nick’s cases. “Come on, Mama’s making all of Nick’s favorite food and I sure don’t want to be late.”

“Wait, you’re Pilar’s son?” she asked amazed. “Man, I can’t wait to see what Miguel turned into,” she winked.

“He’s got a girlfriend, hands off, Nick,” Sheridan admonished.

“Oh well, you win some you lose some,” she picked up the last suitcase and followed the duo outside. “Where’s the Porsche?”

“She slammed it into my car and never got it fixed,” Luis explained, putting the bags into their SUV.

“You destroyed the silver blue Porsche?” Nick was shocked.

“Well, yes, but it was a worthy cause,” she leaned in and kissed Luis.

“Oh, please,” Nikki gagged. She placed her carry on into the car and jumped when she heard Sheridan gasp.

“What?” she spun around.

“You really did get a tattoo!” Sheridan was amazed.

“Yea,” she spun around to display it. “What do you think?”

“What a cool tattoo,” Luis nodded approvingly. “Just do me a favor and tell Theresa that it hurts like hell, please. I don’t need her running out and getting one too.”

“Anything for my uncle,” she grinned.

“Oh damn, I’m inheriting these, aren’t I?” Luis motioned towards his soon to be niece.

“Comes with the territory,” Sheridan shrugged and kissed him again. “Come on, let’s get home.”

“Home,” Nikki nodded and she got into the car. “Home is where the heart is.”

“Welcome home!” Kay threw her arms around Noah. “We’ve missed you so much!”

“I’ve missed you too, kid,” he smiled and hugged her back. “What’s with the decorations?”

“Mom invited some friends over tonight to welcome you back for a while, bro,” Jessica came out of the kitchen. “Welcome home, Noah,” she hugged him.

“Nice to be back, sis,” he smiled. “This place hasn’t changed one bit.”

“Sure it has,” Kay rolled her eyes. “Charity is back.”

“Charity? Is that the one mother said was living in hell? What was she talking about?” Noah asked, throwing himself onto the couch. He had missed a lot over the last two years, but he was planning on catching up.

“Long story…you really don’t want to get into it,” Jessica sat beside him. “Bring us anything from New York?”

“You know it,” he smiled. “But Dad brought my bags up and I really don’t want to go up and get the gifts. Can you wait a while?”

“No,” she teased. “But I’ll settle for later if you’ll take us to the Book Café for coffee before Mom digs out the tomato soup cake.”

The prospect of eating tomato soup cake so early in his vacations was nauseating and Noah had no choice but to agree to the deal. “You’ve got a deal,” he stood up. “Hey, Dad, can we use the car a while?”

Tossing his son the keys, Sam nodded. “No speeding.”

“Right officer,” he laughed and dragged his sisters outside so they could escape the cake. He looked at the cherry red SUV and grinned. This wasn’t a speeding car; this was an ‘I’m a family man’ car. His parents were so old sometimes. Shaking he head, he climbed into the car and drove off towards the Book Café.

“Oh Dios Mio! They’re early,” Pilar rushed towards the front door when she heard a car pull up. She looked outside to see Luis and Sheridan’s SUV pull into the driveway. She sighed. “I told him to call!”

Pilar threw open the door and watched as Sheridan, Luis and Nikki climbed out of the car, smiles on their faces. Luis seemed to actually like Nicholette, not that she expected differently. Nikki was a good girl and always treated everyone the same.

“Though one never knows how her mood will fall,” Pilar sighed and opened the door. “Nikki! Oh it is so good to see you again.”

“Pilar!” she ran up the stairs and hugged the woman she had considered a mother figure. “It has been so long!”

“Too long,” she hugged her back. “I see you met my son.”

“Who? Muscle man here? Yea, we’ve become acquainted during our drive here,” she smiled at Luis. “But he keeps reminding me he’s taken. Such a pity.”

Pilar laughed. “Has she been teasing you, hijo?”

“Only a little, Mama,” he kissed his mother’s cheek. “But we think she’s in love. She kept daydreaming in the car and sighing.”

“Nikki? In love?” Pilar smiled. “Never,” she opened the door wider. “She hated boys.”

Nikki laughed. “Pilar, you certainly don’t know the new Nikki Crane,” she shook her head.

“Obviously not,” she grabbed her and poked the tattoo. “What is that?”

“A rose, I believe” she turned and faced Pilar. “Or a tattoo.”

“Nikki,” Pilar made a sign of the cross. “Your family will be enraged.”

“Since when has that scared me, Pilar?” Nikki plopped down on one of the chairs. “I’m tough. I can handle them.”

“Nikki, now is not the time to make your parents angry. They have been angry enough without your causing problems.”

“Pilar, stop worrying. I have a tattoo and they will have to get over it,” she waved her off. “Now, where is that wonderful food I’ve been hearing about?”

“Unfortunately still cooking. Someone,” she glared at Luis, “was supposed to call me when they left the airport.”

“Luis!” Sheridan admonished. “You forgot to call?”

“Oh and *you* didn’t have a cell phone?” he asked.

She rolled her eyes. “I was a bit preoccupied.”

“Of course,” he rolled his eyes in return.

Nikki groaned. “And they wondered why I was daydreaming, Pilar. Do you three mind if I head into town for a while since dinner isn’t ready. I want to see how much things have changed.”

“Want us to show you around?” Sheridan asked, sliding her arm around Luis’ waist.

“No thanks, I think I can handle it,” she got up and left. “Geeze, could they be more annoying sometimes?” she grumbled as she started walking towards the pier.

“Noah?” Beth asked shocked, seeing the eldest Bennett at the counter. “Well, if it isn’t little Noah Bennett. How have you been, kid?”

“Hello, Beth, long time no see,” he smiled slightly. It had been two years since he had seen anyone in this town and Beth had never been his favorite person.

“Just get in?” she asked, wiping down the counter.

“About an hour or two ago,” he smiled. “Place sure has changed in two years. You’ve expanded it a little huh?” he looked around. He noticed the book section and magazine racks. “Is there a reason?”

“Had more time on my hands lately,” she sighed. “Stopped thinking about Luis so much,” she admitted.

“And why is that?” he asked, looking over the coffee menu. In all his years he had never known Beth to give up Luis.

“He’s engaged to be married this fall,” she replied nonchalantly, though a slight trace of sadness could be heard. “He’s marrying Sheridan Crane.”

“A Crane?” Noah laughed. “No way.”

“Oh, Noah, Sheridan is a special Crane,” Jessica joined her brother at the counter. “She really is a sweet woman. In fact, you would never know she’s a Crane.”

“Really?” he asked surprised.

Beth nodded. “Sheridan is a wonderful woman and I am really happy that Luis has found someone to settle down with. Of course, I would be happier if it was me he was marrying, but that’s not happening.”

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that, Beth,” Noah shrugged. “But I’m sure he’ll snap out of it…unless Sheridan turns out to be the saint you guys are portraying.”

“Oh, she is, trust me,” Kay decided to join them as well. “I thought we were getting coffee.”

“We are,” he put his arm around his sister. “All right, Beth, give the ladies their usual and I want a coffee, no milk, two sugars.”

“That’s seven dollars,” Beth said after totaling their bill.

Noah pulled out his wallet and handed her a ten. Once she returned the change to him, she smiled. “Someone will bring your coffee over to you when it’s ready.”

“All right,” he smiled and joined his sisters at a booth along the wall of the Café. He was surprised by all the business the place had on a Wednesday evening in the beginning of the summer. Then again, they were probably a lot of tourists in town for the summer. Scanning the café, he noticed a few people that he knew right away. Some were from his high school graduating class, others were friends of his sisters and, in a case or two, friends of his parents.

“You all right, Noah?” Jessica asked her big brother as they waited for their coffee.

“Yea, sis, just getting re-acquainted with the town.”

“Okay,” she shrugged. “I’m going to go look at the magazines, all right?”

“Yea, go on,” he watched her go. Kay decided to join her and leave Noah to his thoughts. He started to fade off into his thoughts about Nikki from the airport; wondering if and when he would see her again. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t asked her last name sooner and now he wasn’t sure he’d even learn her identity. As if on cue, the bell on the door rang to announce someone’s arrival.

Nikki walked into the Book Café after having walked form the Lopez-Fitzgerald home. She was surprised about how nice the interior of the place was, despite the old style outside. Nikki found herself attracted to the bookshelves and immediately browsed the titles for something good to read. Having remained close to the door, Nikki could feel the warmth from outside despite the air conditioning. A chill ran up her spine and she could tell someone was watching her. She turned to meet the beautiful green eyes of Noah Bennett.

“Noah?” she asked, shocked that he was sitting across the café.

“Nikki?” he was shocked.

“NOAH!” she strode seductively over to where he was sitting. “I can’t believe you’re here. How odd is this?”

“Way odd,” he agreed. “Have a seat. Do you want a coffee?”

“No, I really didn’t even know this place was here. It’s been so long since I’ve been in town that I forgot,” she smiled. “I was going to walk to the pier but I saw this place and decided to come in.”

“I’m glad you did,” he started to become slightly nervous.

“So how did the tattoo go over with your parents?” she asked, looking over at the beautiful tattoo on is arm.

“Well, my father changed the subject, so that can’t be a good sign. I’m sure it will go over as well as the earring did,” he leaned back and looked her over. “Not that I care, I mean, it’s my body and I am of age.”

“You certainly are,” she mumbled under her breath. “Of age with one fine body…”

“Excuse me?” he raised his eyebrows. “Did you say something?”

“Nope, nothing,” she grinned. “So, Noah, what are you doing here? I figured your parents would be gushing over your arrival.”

“Three words: tomato soup cake.”

“What?” she was definitely confused now.

“Something my mother likes to make. It’s disgusting. I don’t know where she got that recipe, but I sure wish she would lose it.”

Nikki laughed. “I’ll take your word for it.”

A younger boy came over and placed three mugs of coffee on the table and then headed off again. Seeing the number of mugs, Nikki started to stand. “I’m sorry. You’re here with people. I’m just going to be leaving now…”

“No, Nikki, you don’t have to leave,” he went to grab her arm and decided against it.

Seeing two girls head towards the table she felt stupid. “I’m sure they would disagree,” she motioned to the girls. “Look, it was really nice seeing you again, Noah, but I really need to go,” she grabbed her pocket book off the seat and walked away before he could stop her.

“Who was that?” Kay asked as she slid into the booth across from her brother.

“Nicholette,” he sighed and creased his brow in consternation. “And I think I just blew it with her.”

“Why is that?” Jessica asked.

“She thought you two were my dates,” he shook his head. “And I don’t even know her last name.”

“Smooth, big brother,” Kay rolled her eyes. “Shouldn’t be hard to find out who she is when all you know is her first name.”

“Hey, I’ll find her again. I will.”

“You are such an idiot, Nikki!” she scolded herself as she walked. “How could you be so stupid? I mean did you really think someone that looked like *that* wouldn’t have a date the second he stepped foot in town.”

She stormed back towards the Lopez-Fitzgerald home. Then she remembered who Noah’s father was. “Sam Bennett…didn’t he have two daughters?” she froze in her tracks. “Oh damn, I really should have kept up on my research. I can try to get in touch with Ethan and find out if he has two other half siblings on the Bennett side…” she looked around. “Who am I kidding? Even if he was with a sibling, those girls looked ready to attack so one of them has to be his girl…right?”

Nikki couldn’t believe she was standing around talking to herself and shook her head. “It sure was funny seeing him there, though.” She giggled like a schoolgirl. “Oh get a grip Nicholette. You sound pathetic. This is not the Nasty Nikki Crane that you wanted to show everyone here. You have to get a hold of it girl and go back to the bad girl attitude. After all, you certainly aren’t an angel.”

Laughing slightly, she continued on her way home, flirting with any man that walked by and wasn’t married. She had done the mistress job once and it was terrible. Now, she just wanted to find a boy to have a good time with. Walking back into the house, she slid into the nearest chair and waited patiently for dinner.

~*~Chapter Four: Dealing with Home~*~

Noah threw the keys on the coffee table as he and his sisters walked towards the kitchen. He wasn’t sure if he was ready for the twenty questions game that he was bound to be subjected to now that he was home. All he wanted was a nice cold beer and a long phone call from Nikki. Damn, he had blown it not explaining why he was there sooner. He gave her the big bad boy attitude and she was bound to believe he was a player.

Sighing, he pushed through the door separating the kitchen and living room and was surprised to find it empty. Looking around, he spotted his uncle at the fridge.

“Yo, Uncle Hank! What’s up, man,” Noah smiled. While he and his father tended to be at odds, his uncle always managed to get along with him.

“Hey, Noah,” he walked over and did their secret shake. They hugged. “When did you get back?”

“Just this afternoon. I’ve been home about two hours. What’s been going down? Everyone in this house is so eerily silent.” Noah looked around.

“A few things have been going on. You’ll get caught up to speed later I bet. Mean time, I lost my lady love to my best friend,” Hank grabbed a beer and tossed it to his nephew. He took another and popped it open.

“What is it with this Sheridan Crane that is making you all gaga?” Noah popped the top on his beer and took a swig. “I mean, she can’t be all that great.”

“She’ll be at your party tonight with Luis. Sheridan is great, buddy,” Hank plopped into a nearby kitchen chair. “She’s gorgeous and smart…rich and funny…She’s just perfect, Noah.”

“But she’s a Crane! She’s got to be a rich bitch right?” Noah took another swig and hopped up onto the counter.

“Nope, that’s why she has Luis wrapped around her little finger. She’s so damn sweet you’d never know she was a Crane.”

“Damn, a nice Crane. Don’t believe I’ve ever met one of those,” he shook his head.

“We’ll Sheridan’s a real nice woman,” he smiled. “But she’s Luis’ so I’ll let it go. Any ladies in your life, man?”

“Not at the moment. Met a real fine chick getting off the plane. Name’s Nikki and she lives here in town. Just ran into her at the Book Café but she thought that my sibs were my dates,” he groaned. “She thinks I’m a damn player now.”

“Oh, messy,” Hank shook his head. “Get the babe’s number?”

“No, don’t even know her last name. Not exactly batting a thousand here,” he sighed. “I gotta see her again, Uncle Hank. She’s one hot babe.”

“Stacked?”

“You know it,” they chuckled.

“You’ll see her again man. Just chill.”

“Are you sure you’re ready for this, Nick?” Sheridan asked as they pulled up to the mansion.

Nikki nodded. “Can’t delay the inevitable. Besides, if I want to convince them that I am willing to behave if they let me stay in town, I’m going to have to meet with them,” she straightened her skirt. “Does this hide the tattoo?”

“Yes. You do realize they’ll find out about that sooner or later, don’t you?” Sheridan inquired.

“Yea, I know Aunt Sher, but I want to get them used to me before I show them the real Nicholette Crane. I love my parents; after all, they are my family. I just wish they could love me like I was their daughter and not a chance to improve the status of the family.” She sighed and opened the door to the car. “How did you ever get your freedom, Aunt Sher?”

“What freedom?” she laughed. “Luis can’t wait until we can move into the new house so I won’t be living on the estate. My father has done everything possible to tear us up.”

“Will they ever let us live a normal life?”

“We’re not normal people,” Sheridan gave a slight smile. “We’re Cranes.”

“Not by choice,” Nikki lifted her bags from the car and placed them on the porch step. “Here goes nothing.”

“If you need anything, I’ll be at the cottage. If I’m not there, just try my cell; I’ll be with Luis.”

Nikki nodded. “Thanks Aunt Sher.”

“And Nick?”

“Yea?”

“I’m always on your side, no matter what happens.”

“Thanks,” Nikki smiled and walked up the marble steps. She watched her Aunt’s silver SUV disappear around the turn and then rang the bell. A maid opened the door and smiled.

“Miss Nicholette! Your home!” the woman opened the door wider. “Your father is waiting for you in his library. I will have your luggage brought upstairs.”

“That you, Claudia,” Nikki stepped into the foyer. “Have the luggage unpacked too, will you? And I’d like a drink brought to the library for me,” she walked up the staircase. The library was her father’s sanctuary and for her presence to be requested there something important was to take place. Sighing, she took the last few steps quickly and headed to her father’s library.

“Yes, father, I shall speak with her as soon as she enters. Yes father. I don’t see what good the college education is for her, father, after all, her working will never be an option. Good idea, I’ll see about getting her an honorary degree so we can put this all behind us and marry her off.”

“I was hoping you wouldn’t be trying to marry me off already,” Nikki walked in without knocking. “After all, who is to say that I don’t want to finish school? I just didn’t like Vassar.”

“Nicholette, you’re home dear,” Julian smiled weakly.

“No need for false pleasantries, Father, I understand that you don’t really want me home,” Nikki tried to hide the pain and did quite well at doing so. She had been used to pain. After walking to his desk, she sat in the leather chair across from him and crossed her legs. She was the picture of a perfect lady now. Her unruly brown hair was pulled back in a French twist and her makeup was lightly done. She donned a black skirt and matching short-sleeved shirt, which hid her tattoo from sight. “Why don’t you put Grandfather on speaker, hm?”

Julian nodded and did so. “Father, you’re on speaker.”

“Hello, Nicholette,” Alistair’s voice was filled with faux emotion.

“Grandfather,” she said in greeting. “I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon. I figured my father would lecture me first.”

“You’re so distrusting, Nicholette,” Julian laughed as he gulped his brandy.

“Yea, right,” she rolled her eyes.

“Nicholette, we were discussing your…graduation,” Alistair’s hesitation was noticeable.

“I didn’t graduate.”

“We could make it so you could,” Alistair replied.

“I want to finish college here, Grandfather, or any other school I choose. I never said I didn’t want to return to University.”

“Perhaps we should prepare for your future in another way, Nicholette. After all, you will have to marry soon.”

“Marry?!” Nikki jumped out of her chair. “I’m hardly ready to marry!”

“Lower your voice, Nicholette,” Julian demanded.

“No! I just arrived home and you are already planning to get rid of me. What makes me such a handicap to you? What have I done that places me in your disfavor?”

“Must I remind you of everything that happened in Europe?” Alistair asked mockingly.

“Have you ever thought that I did it for your attention?” she turned and stormed out of the office.

“That went well,” Julian was sarcastic. As much as he wanted to reach out to his daughter, he feared another blunder. After Ethan turned out to be a Bennett, Julian had wanted to become closer to his other children. However, he didn’t want to get too close and be hurt like he was before.

“Julian, I want her watched. The first signs of trouble and you *will* take care of her!”

“Yes father.”

“I mean it!” Alistair boomed before he hung up.

Julian sighed. He didn’t even want to think about Alistair’s meaning of “taking care” of his daughter.

Nikki ran to her bedroom and threw open the door. Everything was the same as she had left it. The light lilac room was filled with her old toys and dolls, things she wouldn’t have dreamed of seeing again. She slowly walked towards the canopy bed, the lilac lace blowing in the breeze from the window. They hadn’t even changed her room.

“Did they expect the same little disillusioned child that believed in their power? Did they really expect me to return to that innocence that they killed so long ago?” she shook her head. “How foolish can they be? All I want is a normal family.”

“Don’t be foolish, Nikki, we are a normal family,” Ivy joked.

“Mother,” Nikki didn’t even turn to face her.

“Nikki, please, I’ve lost one child this year, don’t make it two.”

“You never had me. All you ever cared about was Ethan. Ethan this…Ethan that. No wonder you loved him so much, he was the only thing that demons didn’t help you create,” she sank onto the silk sheets. “Wow, you at least had the linens changed.”

“We’re not expecting you to stay long,” Ivy admitted.

“No, really? Couldn’t tell that,” Nikki rolled her eyes.

“Please, Nicholette, don’t do this. We can be a family if we try.”

“What’s the point?” She sat up. “Something would just come along and ruin it. You damn well know that mother.” Nikki walked over to her closed and pulled out a halter-top and shorts. “I’m going down to the beach.”

“Wouldn’t you rather stay and chat?”

Nikki laughed mockingly. “Yea, right,” she pulled her blouse off.

“NIKKI! Is that a tattoo?” Ivy rushed to her daughter’s side.

“Damn, you weren’t supposed to see it.”

“It *is* a tattoo!”

“Yes, mother, it is.”

“I like it.”

“What?”

“I like it! It’s very you.”

Nikki spun to face her mother. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Well, I had my navel pierced like Aunt Sher,” she motioned to the silver ring in her navel. “Cool?”

“Pushing it, but I’ll let it slide. Just don’t let Julian see that or all hell will break lose.”

“Nothing new from what I hear,” Nikki pulled on the red halter-top and then slipped into the high cut shorts. “All right, I’m out of here. Tell Aunt Sher I have my cell if she wants me.”

“All right,” Ivy smiled. “I am glad to have you home.”

“Well, if you are, lose the canopy or move me. This lilac was so last decade,” she grabbed her bag and left through the kitchen.

“Welcome home, Nikki,” Ivy sighed.

Noah sunk lower into the couch, praying that this night would be over soon. He had just heard his parents come in through the back door and was praying they would forget he was home. It was surprising, but as his parents walked in he swore they were bickering. His only hope was that the argument wasn’t over him.

“Yo, man, get me another beer, will ya? I’m over here getting my butt kicked by your sisters,” Hank begged.

“Told ya not to play them in a game of Monopoly. You just never listen,” Noah got up. “Yea, I’ll get the beer, but you better be listening real close. If I get attacked I’m gonna need saving.”

“Got your back,” Hank chuckled. “Better yet, I’ll tag along,” he hopped up as Jessica took the last of his money for landing on her Boardwalk.

“Cool,” Noah walked into the kitchen first with Hank close behind.

“Just the person we wanted to see,” Grace smiled weakly at her son.

“What’s up, Mom?” he asked opening the fridge and removing two beers. He threw one to his uncle and popped the other open.

“Drinking? Noah Gabriel Bennett, haven’t we taught you better?” Grace asked, reaching to remove the beer from his hand.

Noah stepped back. “I’m not a child. I’m twenty-one, I can drink legally.”

“But you shouldn’t be drinking, Noah,” Grace shook her head. “Drinking causes trouble.”

“Look, I’m not home for lectures,” Noah slid into a chair at the table. “Stop giving me them.”

“You’re our son, we’re worried about you,” Sam replied. “After all, you come home with tattoos and piercings; what are we supposed to think?”

“You’re supposed to lighten up. Things change. I’m not you’re little angel of a son anymore.”

“You’re nothing like the son we raised,” Grace replied sadly. “My little boy is gone.”

“He’s been gone, Mom,” Noah gulped from the can. “He’s long gone.”

“I want you to remove the earring and look into removing the tattoo,” Sam stated.

“No way. I’m not getting rid of it.”

“It’s inappropriate, Noah!” Sam groaned. “You shouldn’t have gotten one without talking to us.”

“Like you did with Mom and Dad?” Hank butted in. “I don’t remember you asking their permission for yours.”

“That’s different.”

“No it ain’t. You were drinking with Ivy Crane before you turned twenty, had a tattoo before you left that year to go on the fishing boats and would have pierced your ear had it been cool. You’re being a hypocrite.”

“But out, Hank,” Sam glared at his brother.

“Look, don’t start on Uncle Hank either. You messed up as a kid too so don’t start preaching.”

“He’s right. Let’s not forget the little tragedy from this year,” Grace whispered.

“What tragedy?” Noah looked back and forth between his parents.

“Nothing,” Sam went to the fridge for a beer of his own.

“I have a right to know. I’m a Bennett too.”

“You’d be amazed by how many of us there are now,” Hank grumbled.

“What?” Noah asked.

“Ethan Crane is a Bennett by blood,” Grace spit out.

“What?!” Noah demanded.

“Ivy got pregnant with my baby before I met your mother. Ethan is my son,” Sam looked sadly at Noah. “He’s not a Crane.”

“And he’s only recently accepted that fact,” Hank added. “He’s using the name Winthrop, but Theresa is positive she’ll make him into a Bennett yet.”

“No, he’s not a Bennett. He can’t be,” Noah was shocked.

“He is,” Grace replied. “And he’ll be here tonight with Theresa.”

“What do you think about all this?” he asked his mother.

“Ethan has turned out to be a decent young man. I don’t hold the mistakes of his parents against him at all. He was just as hurt to find out that he had been lied to all these years. I’ve accepted him and welcomed him and so have the girls. So please, give him a chance.”

“Yea, an ice cubes chance in hell!” Noah threw his beer can into the sink. “He’s not a Bennett. I don’t care who dad screwed around with.”

“Watch your mouth!” Sam growled.

“Why? Because you literally screwed up and knocked up some rich bitch? Sorry if I’m not kissing the ground she walks on!” Noah faced his father.

Sam grabbed his shirt. "I demand you take that back."

Noah's eyes widened. "You still love the slut. Dear God, you love that bitch!" Noah laughed. "No wonder Mom's so damn pissed at you."

"TAKE IT BACK!" Sam screamed.

"Make me," Noah wasn't backing down.

"You're not worth it," Sam pushed his son away. "Get out of my site."

"With pleasure," Noah stormed out of the kitchen. "The day Noah Bennett likes a Crane is the day we all ice skate in Hell. May all the Cranes burn in the fires of Hell for eternity," he went to his room.

~*~Chapter Five: Party Time~*~

Nikki loved the beach at sunset. Even in Europe, her favorite time of day was sunset and at the beaches in Spain or France, it was spectacular. She strolled along the beach, her platform sandals in her hand dangling by their straps. Her plan had been a stroll along the waterside before heading to the local bar to hang out. Thank God for the invention of fake ids. However, on her stroll, she had heard some very loud music coming from the other side of the cove and just had to check it out. That was where she was currently headed.

“Yo, we’ve got a visitor, man,” a tall blond called male to another blond male. Both were muscular in build with their shirts off and a beer in their hands.

“Mind some company?” Nikki flirted.

“Not at all, hun. I’m Alex and this is Paul,” the blond in blue shorts with hazel eyes replied. He was taller than his friend by a few inches and had a killer smile.

“What’s your name, babe?” Paul asked. He was wearing green shorts and had brown eyes.

“They call me Nikki,” she climbed over the rocks to join them. “Partying alone guys?”

“Na, just couldn’t wait for the others to get here,” Alex replied. “Some others are coming and we’re all heading over to the Bennett house.”

“What for?” Nikki asked, grabbing a beer from the cooler and popping it open.

“Their son’s back from college for the summer, first time home since he left for New York. They’re throwing him a welcome home bash for him. Not sure if they’ll be any liquor, so we’re gonna sneak in some of our own,” Alex walked over and put an arm around Nikki. “Wanna join us?”

“Yea, why not, I’ve always loved crashing parties,” she laughed.

“Rock on! We’ve got ourselves a tiger, Paul.”

“Cool,” he high fived his friend. “I like tigers.”

Giving them her best seductive look, Nikki growled. “I’m a tiger in more than one way, sweetheart.”

The guys fived each other again and watched as Nikki downed her beer.

“So, when does this party start?” Nikki asked, sitting on one of the rocks, her shorts riding up on her creamy thighs.

“Babe, it just got going,” a newcomer replied as he cranked up the music. “Name’s Josh. The others are heading over. Michelle, Anne, Patrick…you’ll meet them all hun.” Josh was about six feet even with dark black hair, a killer tan and big glowing blue eyes. He could have been a body builder if he wanted, but his muscles were in taste.

“Well, Josh, I’m Nikki…”

“She’s a real tiger, Josh,” Paul called to his friend and tossed a beer over to Alex. “She’s a tigress on the prowl.”

“Good, we need a hot babe to have a good time with,” Josh laughed. “We bringing her to the Bennett’s?”

“Yes, you are,” she went over and leaned against Josh, “Because this babe wants to party all night long.”

“Really?” he raised his eyebrows. “What did you have in mind, hun?”

“I’m sure you could think of a few things,” she winked and motioned to Paul for another beer. “Hit me again, sweetie. I want to get this party kicking.”

Paul tossed her a beer and she caught it, popping it open. “Wanna share, hun?” she asked Josh as a group of people joined them.

“Sure,” he chugged party of the beer. Nikki finished it off and then the two created a makeshift dance floor in the sand and began to reggae.

Nikki was enjoying herself as she continuously brushed up against the strong man in front of her. His hands were on her hips and one of his legs was between the two of hers. Her dancing caused her to rub up against his leg and Nikki could tell he was enjoying it.

“Babe, you are so hot,” he looked over the halter-top and short shorts. Her five-foot seven frame created long legs under the short shorts and revealed the better part of her mid-drift. Josh’s hands were taking advantage of her revealed flesh.

“You’re not so bad yourself, Josh,” she grinded up against him faster and arched her back slightly. She closed her eyes and pictured Noah there with her. Damn, she was getting so turned on by this. Nikki was surprised to feel Josh’s hands pull her closer and his lips lock with hers in a passionate kiss. Now this was the kind of action she was looking for.

“Mm,” he moaned against her mouth. “Nikki, you’re gonna be the death of me.”

“I hope not,” she replied seductively. “I like to test a man’s…stamina.”

He growled and they continued their dance.

“Come on in, Uncle Hank,” Noah called. He was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling.

Hank pushed open the door and looked around. “Woah, man, I knew they hand left it somewhat the same, but I didn’t realize they hadn’t changed a thing.”

The room was still baby blue with a dark blue carpet. The walls had a sports boarder: white paper with footballs, baseballs, hockey pucks and stick and other sports symbols painted on it. There were posters of the Red Sox, the Patriots and Bruins hanging around the room. It was as if Noah was still a kid.

“I took the liberty of ripping down the Spiderman poster,” Noah sighed. “I made Jess bring me some new bed stuff too. I came in here and Mom had superhero sheets on the bed and my old Red Sox comforter. I couldn’t believe she still had that crap.”

“Hey, the Sox are not crap.”

“Yea, but college guys usually don’t use their bed sheets,” Noah pushed himself up. “What the hell did they think happened? I went away to college to become some thirteen year old again?”

“Noah, parents have this way of looking at you like a kid no matter how old you are. Do you know you’re Grandparents still see me as their no good thirteen-year-old son? They have this way of reminding me just how much trouble I used to get Luis in.”

“So? At least they don’t treat you like you’re still five.”

“No, because I moved out and refused to let them. Noah, you’re parents are having a hard time since you’ve been away.”

“What’s worse than finding out a Crane’s your kid?” Noah groaned and flopped back against the pillows.

“How about your Mom losing her baby that night? How about Charity getting sucked into the pit of hell,” seeing Noah’s look he shook his head. “Don’t ask. Let’s just say it’s been a weird year.”

“Yea, so I’ve noticed. Jessica said Sheridan came back from the dead?”

“Another long story that I don’t recommend you ask about when Luis is around.”

Noah laughed. “This is ridiculous. This whole damn thing is nothing but a waste of time. Damn this party tonight. I should be out getting shit faced with Nikki.”

“You’re missing something in that, man.”

“Yea, a last name and phone number,” Noah groaned. “Man she’s one hot babe, Uncle Hank. I just want to get lost into her deep blue eyes.”

“Sounds like something Luis would say about Sheridan.”

Noah chuckled. “Uncle Hank, do you think there are other good Crane’s in this world?”

“Hell no. Well, Sheridan says one of her nieces is really cool and coming back to Harmony.”

“Yea well, Nikki ain’t no Crane. She’s an animal. She’s doesn’t have a spoiled rich bitch bone in her body. She’s…amazing.”

“And you know this from a brief meeting at the airport and about two minutes at the Book Café?”

“Some things, Uncle Hank, you just know,” Noah smirked. “And Nikki…I know she’s one woman I’d like to explore.”

Hank fived his nephew. “Right on. Now this is something I can give you some help with.”

“Yea?”

“Yea,” Hank smirked and began laying out some plans.

“We’re coming,” Josh called back, detaching his lips from Nikki’s neck.

“Sure you are,” Alex laughed and grabbed the radio. “Josh, grab the cooler and let’s haul ass.”

“All right, all right,” Josh got up and grabbed the cooler. “Sorry babe.”

“Hey, I’m flexible,” Nikki laughed and pushed her brown locks her back behind her shoulders. “Besides, I can’t wait to get to this party.”

“Me neither,” Josh winked.

“And why is that?” she asked, walking beside him.

“Because I’m going to have the hottest date there,” Josh winked.

“Hey, I’m going for the booze and tunes. No one said I was calling this a date.”

Josh laughed. “All right, babe. It’s not a date, but after that action you just gave, I’m sure no one else will be able to handle you. Especially not Baby Boy Bennett.”

“Baby Boy?” Nikki asked, raising her eyebrows questioningly.

“Yea. He got that nickname freshman year at Harmony High. The all of a sudden he changed his attitude and we started calling him Bad Boy Bennett. Baby Boy suits him better…or it did,” he pushed the cooler into the back seat of his car. “Hop in, babe.”

Nikki hopped in. “Perhaps Baby Boy Bennett just needs to meet someone like Naught Nikki,” she winked.

“Honey, if Bennett can handle what you do, than I’ll send you both to the Seascape for dinner on me.”

“You’ve got yourself a bet, Josh. I hope you know how high I can run a bill.”

“Don’t worry,” he winked. “Bennett won’t last thirty minutes with you.”

“Mm, more than enough time to have some fun,” Nikki closed her eyes and thought of the fun she was going to have when they got to the Bennett house. Her only hope was that no one would know she was really Nicholette Crane.

“Ethan, he’s your half brother. You really should get to know him. He’s not a bad guy,” Theresa slipped her arm around his waist. “Besides, he’s a very close personal friend of mine.”

“I know,” he sighed. “I’m just glad Sheridan and Luis are on the way over with Miguel and your mother. It will make things easier to have some neutral people there.”

“Ethan, Grace Bennett and the girls have welcomed you with open arms. Can’t you accept that?”

“Accept that I’m the bastard child of two people that couldn’t make a commitment to each other? Oh yea, that’s going to happen real soon,” he rolled his eyes.

“All right, let’s not get back into this, Ethan.”

“Not planning on it,” he closed the trunk after pulling out the case of soda they had bought at Grace’s request. Before he and Theresa could head for the house, they were halted by the loud music playing from a pack of cars.

“Noah’s friends. Joshua, Paul, Alex…the gang. They used to hang in high school,” Theresa sighed. “Loud music, alcohol and hot girls at their parties.”

“And you got along with Noah?” Ethan asked.

“Yea, but Noah isn’t really like that. He just wanted to get rid of the little angel attitude they gave him,” she said, watching the girls and guys climb out of the cars. “Isn’t that Nikki?” Theresa asked.

“Yea, it is,” he started to approach her, but Theresa grabbed his arm.

“No. Don’t let on that she’s a Crane, sweetheart. It will only ruin her friendships with these guys.”

“And that’s a bad thing?” Ethan was becoming protective of his baby sister.

“It is when you want to fit in here, Ethan, you of all people should know that.”

He sighed. Nikki was still his sister and we worried about her. She had a tendency of getting herself in trouble. Ethan didn’t want to see her get hurt. He started to walk for the door when Nikki noticed them and dashed over.

“Theresa!” Nikki cried, remembering her from dinner. Her eyes flashed with glee to see her brother, but she forced it back. She had a job to do first. Dropping her voice, she added, “Look, tonight I am not a Crane. You tell my Aunt and your family because I cannot be a Crane here. I’ve met Noah and he is really cool but I know people here hate Cranes. Understood?” she looked back and forth between her brother and Theresa.

“Hey, babe, you know those two?” Josh called.

“Only one of them,” she laughed. “Don’t tell me you don’t know Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

“Lo-Fitz!” Josh waved. “We all know little Teresita.”

Theresa laughed. “Hello, Josh.”

“Do we have a deal?” Nikki whispered.

“Deal,” Theresa sighed.

“Yea,” Ethan nodded.

“Thanks,” she hugged Theresa, winked at her brother and ran inside with Josh.

“She likes Noah,” Theresa smiled. “A lot.”

“How can you tell that?” Ethan asked as they strolled towards the front door.

“Ethan, her eyes glowed the instant she mentioned his name. Not to mention, no one goes through that much trouble to hide their real identity if they don’t have feelings for the person. Look and us, when we first met I had to hide behind those hideous glasses to convince you that I wasn’t the stalker…which I wasn’t.”

“So?”

“So, Nikki wants Noah to accept her as a person so when she does reveal that she’s a Crane, he can look past the name. Not everyone in the world likes that name, you know?”

“Yea, I’ve noticed,” he sighed. “All right. I’ll let this go, but if he hurts her…”

“He’ll have more than just you to deal with,” Theresa rang the bell.

She shrugged. “I want to make a good first impression. I know the Crane name has been sullied and people tend to hold the sins of my family against me.”

Luis rubbed her side. “But then they realize how stupid they were and beg you to marry them,” he teased.

“Too bad I’m spoken for,” she winked.

Luis smiled smugly. “Well, I’m sure Noah will be thankful for the gift. What is it anyway?”

“I asked Grace what he would like and she said he was a huge Red Sox fan…”

“As we all are…”

“Anyway,” she sighed, “as much as you hate my last name…”

“Which will soon be changed…”

“Right, anyway, as much as you hate it, it can be useful. I was able to use my name to go to a practice at Fenway before a game and got the team to sign a baseball…”

“For Noah?” Luis was stunned. He loved the Sox!

“Well, I may have one for you too…” she smiled.

“Seriously?” he asked excited.

“Only if you’re a good boy,” she kissed his lips.

“Baby, you rock,” he laughed.

“I know,” she replied as they walked in the back door of the Bennett home. They saw Grace and Theresa chatting while fixing some popcorn and pretzels in bowls.

“Hey, you two,” Theresa smiled and walked over to hug her brother and Sheridan.

“Hi guys,” Grace smiled weakly.

“Hi Grace,” Sheridan responded. Luis kissed Sheridan’s cheek and headed off to find Sam.

“I’m going to bring these into the living room. Be right back,” Grace took the bowls and left the room.

“I need to talk to you,” Theresa said as soon as the coast was clear. “Nikki is here.”

“My niece?”

“Yea. She’s here with some friends of Noah’s. We can’t let anyone know she’s a Crane. She wants to fit in…”

“And she can’t with the Crane name. I know how that goes. So we’re to pretend we don’t know her?” Sheridan asked.

“Yup. Exactly,” Theresa grabbed the final bowl.

“No problem,” Sheridan replied. “I better go find Luis and let him know before he blows her cover.” She scurried into the living room to find her fiancé.

“Some chick we found at the beach. Name’s Nikki. Couldn’t pass up that body.”

“She put out?” Tony asked, running his fingers through his dark black hair. He clutched his beer in a strong tan hand and his black eyes were alight with desire.

“Don’t know yet. She’s a damn good kisser. That chick is going to be one fine addition to the black book,” he laughed. Tony fived him.

“And we all know what kind of chicks end up in the black book,” he chugged. “Damn, Grace is still the overbearing mother. She doesn’t want us to drink but she damn well can’t stop us either.”

“Yea, I know,” Josh laughed. “Poor baby boy…”

“It ain’t baby boy no more,” Noah’s deep voice boomed. “Ton, Josh, what’s up?”

“Hey man, welcome home,” the boys shared a handshake and a brief hug.

“Not much. Who’s the hotty behind the crowd?” he asked motioning to the group of guys. That’s when he got a look at the girl buried deep in the crowd. “Nikki?”

Even slightly across the room she could hear her name. She looked up and met his glance. Waving, she smiled and leaned closer to a light haired guy on her right.

“You know Naughty?”

“Naughty?” he laughed. “Nikki and I met at the airport.”

“Seriously?”

“Yea,” Noah laughed again. “She’s hot…”

“Sure is. Kisses like a mad woman too,” Josh winked.

“You kissed her,” Noah became angry.

“Yea? Why? Got your eye on her?” Josh asked.

“If I do?”

“Doesn’t matter. She’ll be living here and you’ll be back in New York. I’d win her over sooner or later.”

Noah didn’t reply but went over to Nikki instead.

“Funny seeing you here,” she heard his voice and felt her body come alive. He sounded angry.

“Hey hun,” she turned and winked. “Long time no see. Where are your lady friends?” she asked, looking for the girls from the Book Café.

“You mean my two kid sisters?” he asked, still angry.

“They were your sisters?” she feigned ignorance. Inside she was excited.

“Yea,” he could sense her pleasure. “Wanna go outside for a few?”

“What for?” she asked.

“To talk.” He offered his hand.

“Sure,” she smiled, sliding hers into his. They both fought to hold on after the shock that ripped through them. He led her out to the front pouch and sat with her in the wicker chairs. “So, what did you want to talk about?”

“Why are you here?”

Pain flashed through her eyes. “I…I’ll leave,” she stood.

“No…I didn’t mean it that way,” he grabbed her wrist.

“I just thought you’d be happy to see me…”

“Not with those guys. They’re trouble, Nikki, they always have been.” He pulled her back down beside him. “I don’t want to see you get hurt,” he said caringly.

“That’s sweet,” she smiled. Her heart was pounding and she wanted to kiss him so badly her lips tingled.

He cupped her cheek. “You’re so beautiful.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, sugar,” she grinned.

“Would you mind if I kissed you?” he asked.

“You’re being such a gentleman. What have you done with Noah?”

He laughed. “Sorry. I’m being corny, but my father taught me one thing and that was to respect a lady.”

“I’m no lady.”

“I beg to differ,” he laughed. “One fine lady…”

“Kiss me, would ya?”

“With pleasure,” he leaned in and started a slow but passionate kiss with her. He could feel tiny sparks of electric brushing against his lips and he knew he was losing his mind. As he began to pull away, he felt her slide her tongue over his lips, begging for entrance into his mouth. He obliged, deepening the kiss to a level that would leave them both breathless. When they finally pulled away, both were panting for air.

“Wow,” she whispered, having never felt that way about another.

“Yea, wow,” he chuckled. “They were my sisters, you know?”

“I know.”

“I thought I blew it.”

“You did,” she replied.

“What?” he jumped back.

“I meant that in the past tense. When I thought those girls were your dates, I was so hurt I wasn’t ever going to speak to you again. I don’t usually dress like this unless I’m trying to impress a man…or unless I’m dating him.”

“I can’t offer you a relationship…”

“You have a girlfriend?” she asked trying to hide her disappointment.

“No, but I’ll be going back to New York in August.”

“Oh,” she sighed. “Well, that’s ok. I’m not looking to get married,” she laughed.

“Then, how’d you like to go out? I know this great bar…you can drink right?”

Nikki laughed. “Can you keep a secret?”

“Yea,” he looked confused.

“I can’t legally drink, I’m only twenty, but I do have one kick ass fake ID.”

“Let me see it?” he asked.

She nodded. Fortunately, the fake ID had a different name so reporters couldn’t find out about it. She pulled out her wallet and whipped out her ID, which read Nicholette Joy Masterson.

“I’ve never heard the name Masterson,” Noah remarked.

“My family doesn’t use that name anymore…actually, it was my grandmother’s maiden name,” she admitted. It was true. Masterson was the maiden name of Ivy’s mother. It was also true that the Mastersons had basically disappeared. Her grandmother was the only one left in Harmony and she was a Winthrop now.

“Oh, well cool. So where are you staying?”

“Um,” she had to think fast. “I might not be staying with my family long. We aren’t on the best of terms. Why don’t I just meet you where you want to go and when I have definite arrangements you can pick me up,” she covered.

“Sounds like a plan,” he laughed. “I feel like a pansy.”

“Why?” she asked.

“My whole attitude changes around you, Nic, it’s like I’m a different person.”

“Hey, I like both of you equally,” she laughed. “Besides, my ‘naughty’ persona seems to have faded away thanks to that kiss,” she covered her mouth. She didn’t just say that. “Look, don’t tell anyone, please. I’ve worked so damn hard to get rid of the spoiled baby attitude that everyone expected from me.”

“Mastersons have money?”

Oh yea, did Mastersons have money; but she couldn’t say that. “Yea.”

“Rich?”

“Richer than some…Mastersons are no Crane’s though.” Not like it was a complete lie.

“Let’s not even get me started on those self-centered, ego…”

She covered his mouth with her hand. “Theresa’s soon to be sister-in-law is a Crane and she isn’t so bad, Noah. Maybe you shouldn’t be so rash to judge.”

“I haven’t met Sheridan yet.”

“I met her and she’s a great woman. You never know what a person is like, don’t let their last name dictate it.”

“But that bitch Ivy is ruining my family!”

Nikki felt her blood boiling. She may hate her mother but Ivy was still just that: her mother. “You know what, screw you, Noah. Find some other ditz to take out,” she got up.

“What’s your problem? You act as if the Crane’s are friends of yours!”

“Right now, babe,” she was icy in her speech. “They are damn better people than you. You have no right to judge anyone because of a few bad seeds…no right at all. Just stay the hell away from me!” she stormed inside.

“What the hell happened?” he was shocked. Could Nikki know a Crane? Fell in love with one? She seemed all right until he called Ivy a bitch. Maybe Ivy was a distant relative; after all, rich tended to marry the rich, right? “Damn,” he slammed his fist against the house. He had really screwed things up this time.

“As far the hell away from here as I can get,” she headed for the door.

“Why?” he asked, snaking an arm around her waist.

“Tell me, Josh. What do *you* think of the Cranes?” she asked.

“Well, I’ve met Sheridan, she works at the Youth Center and so do I. She ain’t bad, so I figure maybe one or two of the other family members escaped to be decent people. Hell, I’ve just met Ethan and he’s not bad for a kid raised in that family. Why?”

She was startled by his honest answer. “I was having a little debate with an ass that thinks he is so much better than the rich Cranes when he is no different.”

“I see you and Noah came to blows?” he laughed.

“In a way,” she sighed. “Look, I’m outta here. Cover for me…”

“I’ll take you home,” he offered.

“Don’t do me any favors,” she pushed his arm off and left.

“Bennett,” he growled, enraged. He found Noah chugging a beer by the cooler. “What the hell did you do to her, asshole?”

“Whoa, don’t take this out on me. I said Ivy Crane was a rotten bitch and she went and became high and mighty,” Noah put his hands up in defeat.

Josh tried to hide the confusion in his eyes. What connection could Nikki possibly have to the Crane family?

Part Two